Maybe we’re just getting a little sentimental and starry-eyed here at the ‘House, but as we wrap up the year and start nestling into the holiday season, we can’t help but think how amazing it is that we runners are blessed with so many gifts.

No, we’re not talking about a new set of kicks or the latest Garmin (though of course either one of those can’t hurt). We’re going more…soulful than that. We’re talking about the ability to run itself, and the ability to have the time, resources and health to work on getting better and better at it.

It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in shaving a few seconds on your next race or beating yourself up that you logged 47 miles this week when your goal was 50. But take a second and simplify a bit here. Think about the joy you get from running and working toward your next PR. Now think about the basics that go into making that happen:

1. You have to be alive
2. You have to be physically healthy
3. You have to be physically able to run
4. You have to have the time to run
5. You have to have a safe place to run
6. You have to have some decent shoes and running clothes
7. You have to have the support of family, friends and fellow runners
8. You have to have motivation and mental toughness

We don’t know about you, but the fact that we can put all that together and experience the joy that running has to offer is pretty amazing. It’s something to be thankful for. So there you go. That’s our little metaphysical slice of happiness for today. We hope you have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving too.

What are you most thankful for this year? Share in the comments below!